How to Find a Marriage Counselor Near You: 4 Steps to Choose the Right Marriage Therapist

How to Find Affordable Marriage Counseling Near You

Finding the right marriage counselor can be daunting – especially if it's your first time. After all, entrusting someone with your relationship struggles is no small decision. Fortunately, there are certain steps you can take to make sure that you find a reputable and qualified marriage therapist who has the experience needed to help couples in distress. 

When choosing a marriage therapist who’s right for you, it’s important to communicate with your partner. Try to get on the same page with what your goals for marriage therapy are, what type of counselor you want, and the budget for marriage counseling.

STEP 1: Know Your Why

When finding a marriage therapist, it's crucial to understand your "why." Couples seek therapy for various reasons:

• Improve communication
• Rebuild trust
• Navigate conflict
• Rediscover intimacy 
• Recovering from infidelity
• Navigate financial strain
• Helping a spouse through physical or mental health issues
• Introducing a new family member
• Moving away from maladaptive behavior 
• Recovering from an abusive relationship or relationship PTSD
• A major life transition like a move or career change

Identifying your specific goals will help guide you toward the right therapist. You and your spouse may have differing goals; this is okay. Getting on the same page is something your local marriage therapist can help you with. 

It’s still important to have discussions about marriage therapy and your goals with your partner before you begin seeing your therapist. Discuss why you believe therapy is necessary and what you both hope to achieve. This shared understanding will lay a solid foundation for your search, ensuring you find a therapist who aligns with your collective vision. For example, sit down with your partner and ask them: 

• What do you think our most pressing issue is?
• Why do you want to go to marriage counseling?
• What is the most important thing to talk about during marriage counseling to you? 

By being on the same page as your partner, you are setting yourself up for success and you'll be able to narrow down who you choose as a marriage therapist. Marriage counselors have different specialties, so knowing what you want to focus on helps you know who to choose. 

As you're looking at Marriage Therapists, reading their therapist bio can help. All therapists will have a therapist bio that will list their specialties and talk about their experience. Use this information to find a marriage counselor who matches your needs.

STEP 2: Know Your Who

When searching for the right marriage counselor, it's important to find someone who will make you feel heard and comfortable. Not every good marriage therapist is going to be the right marriage therapist for you and your spouse. Therefore, before you start your search, consider what's important to you. Some people find it easier to open up to a therapist who believes the same things they do or who has had similar life experiences. Consider with your partner who you would like to work with. You may want to include factors such as:

• Gender
• Experience level
• Age
• Race
• Religious orientation
• Therapy style

These things may not matter to you; that’s okay! It’s a good idea to consider these factors before you start searching for a marriage therapist near you, to help you narrow down your options.

STEP 3: Know Your How

When it comes to marriage therapy, choosing the right "how" can be just as crucial as choosing the right therapist. The two primary options to consider are online marriage therapy and in-person marriage therapy. Each type has its unique merits and potential drawbacks. Discuss with your spouse about which option is right for you:

Online Marriage Therapy

Online therapy, also known as teletherapy, is an increasingly popular option. It involves meeting your therapist virtually, using video conferencing technology, or phone calls.

Pros:

• Convenience: No need to commute, and it can be done from the comfort of your own space.
• Greater Access: You can connect with therapists outside your immediate area or in situations when in-person therapy is not an option.
• Increased Flexibility: Online therapy can work better for couples with busy schedules or those dealing with physical or mental health limitations.

Cons:

• Technology Issues: Technical difficulties can disrupt the therapeutic flow.
• Loss of Nuance: It can be harder to read non-verbal cues, body language, or assess in-person chemistry.
• Distractions: Being at home means you might have more background noise, distractions, or interruptions than in a therapist's office.

In-Person Marriage Therapy Near You

In-person therapy is the traditional form of therapy, typically in an office or clinical setting.

Merits:

• Personal Connection: Being in the same physical space creates a connection as you can read the non-verbal cues and body language.
• More Focus: Being in an office or clinical setting removes distractions.
• Better Communication: In-person therapy allows you to communicate thoughts and feelings more effectively.

Drawbacks:

• Transportation issues: Commuting to the therapist's office can be difficult, especially for busy couples.
• Limited Options: Sometimes you may have limited access to therapists in your area.
• Inflexibility: In-person therapy sessions typically have a more set schedule that might not fit within your life.

Ultimately, the choice between online marriage counseling and in-person therapy will come down to your unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. At Lifebulb, our mission is to connect you with the best therapist for your needs and goals, providing compassionate and empowering support along the way. No matter what path you choose, we believe in your potential to live your brightest life.

STEP 4: Know your When

There are a lot of things to consider when thinking about when you might attend marriage therapy, such as:

• Cost: What's your budget for marriage therapy? Most insurances cover marriage therapy, so you'll only have to pay a copay, usually between $30-$50/session. 
• Frequency: Most people go once a week, but in more extreme cases couples may go 2-3 times a week. 
• Duration: Most people complete marriage therapy after 12 sessions, with 66% completing it within 20 sessions.
• Time: When do you both have time for therapy? Is it on the weekends or in the evenings? 

Understand that the hour or two after therapy may also be a little difficult, as your emotions will be sore. Try to plan a soothing activity after marriage therapy, either together or on your own. Personal self-care is important while you’re in couples counseling because our individual health plays a huge role in our relationship health.

Types of Marriage Therapy

When it comes to nurturing and strengthening your relationship, there are various types of marriage therapies available. Each approach offers unique perspectives and techniques to help couples overcome challenges and build a happier, healthier partnership. Here's a compassionate and informative list of different types of marriage therapies to consider:

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior that may be contributing to relationship issues. It helps couples develop more positive and effective communication and problem-solving skills.
2. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Concentrates on understanding and reshaping the emotional bond between partners. EFT aims to create a secure attachment, fostering empathy, and promoting greater intimacy and connection.
3. Imago Relationship Therapy: Centers around exploring the unconscious patterns and dynamics within a relationship, healing old wounds, and promoting empathy and understanding between partners.
4. Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Based on research by renowned relationship experts John and Julie Gottman, this approach focuses on enhancing friendship, managing conflict constructively, and creating shared meaning in the relationship.
5. Narrative Therapy: Examines the stories individuals tell about themselves and their relationship, working towards rewriting negative narratives and reframing experiences in a more positive and empowering light.
6. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Emphasizes identifying and building upon existing strengths and resources in the relationship, empowering couples to find practical solutions to specific problems.
7. Integrative Therapy: Draws from different therapeutic approaches to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses the specific needs and goals of the couple.

Which marriage therapy modality will fit your needs the best? If you don’t know, talk to a therapist or one of Lifebulb’s knowledgeable support staff to choose the right marriage for your needs. 

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4 Types of Marriage Therapists

There are more than one type of marriage therapist. Some went to college for marriage therapy, and others took educational classes later in their career. Each marriage counselor goes by a different title, and the acronyms after their names can be a bit confusing. Here's a clearer breakdown to help you understand the different types of therapists you might encounter:

1. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

These therapists focus on the broader impact of marital, family, or community systems on mental health. They work specifically with couples and families to address relationship issues. To become licensed, they need a master's degree in their field and supervised clinical experience, and they must pass licensing exams to earn and maintain their state licensure.

2. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Some licensed clinical social workers specialize in marriage counseling or family therapy, while others approach therapy from a social improvement perspective. They hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and must pass the state's social work licensing exam to practice.

3. Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

These counselors take a personal improvement approach, focusing on individual patients and their specific challenges that affect mental health and well-being. To be certified, they need a master's degree in psychology or a related mental health subject, supervised clinical work experience, and they must pass a licensing exam.

4. Psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)

Psychologists are qualified to assess and diagnose mental illness and provide specialized evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy in the field of mental health. A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree places more emphasis on research, while a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree emphasizes clinical training.

Understanding the differences between these types of therapists can help you find the best fit for your needs and goals. No matter which path you choose, Lifebulb is committed to helping you live your brightest life by connecting you with the right therapist for you. Whether it's a licensed marriage and family therapist, a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed mental health counselor, or a psychologist, each therapist has their unique approach to supporting your mental health and well-being.

Find the Right Marriage Therapist for You with Lifebulb

Marriage is a precious institution that requires ongoing care and effort from both partners. When one person begins to overlook this important fact, that's when problems can start to arise.

Couples therapy, or marriage therapy, has the power to truly transform your relationship, but it's a journey that requires the willingness and cooperation of both spouses. Seeking out a skilled marriage counselor can be the first step toward vastly improving your relationship and overall quality of life.

If you've found yourself here searching for "How to find a Marriage counselor," congratulations on taking that initial step toward strengthening your bond with your spouse.

At Lifebulb, we are proud to offer the support of our highly qualified and licensed marriage therapists. We've had the privilege of assisting numerous couples in rekindling their connection and reclaiming the spark they thought they had lost. If you're seeking a professional expert to help mend what feels broken, we're here to guide you to the right therapist.

Let us provide you with the support and expertise you need to nurture your relationship and find your way back to a place of connection and closeness. Get connected with a licensed therapist near you. 

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